The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
Possible causes and remedies:
Symptoms: Thirst Dry mouth Dizziness and five other symptoms
Recommended formula: Zeng Ye Tang
Symptoms: Fever Irritability Restlnessness and three other symptoms
Recommended formula: Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan
In Chinese Medicine, aphthous ulcers can be associated with three so-called "patterns of disharmony". Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted. It is not equivalent to the Western concept of "disease", as a matter of fact here aphthous ulcers can be caused by three different patterns.
To understand whether someone's aphthous ulcers might be caused by a given pattern, one needs to look for signs and symptoms associated with the pattern beyond what one might typically experience from aphthous ulcers alone. For instance when aphthous ulcers is caused by the pattern Dryness in Large Intestine, patients also experience symptoms such as constipation, thirst, dry stools and dry mouth. Similarly, patients with Dryness in Large Intestine typically exhibit fine (Xi) pulses as well as a pale, red tongue.
We've listed below a description of the three patterns associated with aphthous ulcers so that you can start to get an understanding of the various possibilities according to Chinese Medicine.
Once identified, patterns are often treated using herbal formulas. Drinking herbal infusions is the most common remedy in Chinese Medicine, together with acupuncture. Here we detail below four formulas that can help treat the various patterns associated with aphthous ulcers, depending on which pattern fits your profile.
The Large Intestine is a so-called "Fu" Organ. Learn more about the Large Intestine in Chinese Medicine
Pulse type(s): Fine (Xi)
Tongue color: Pale, Red
Recommended herbal formula: Zeng Ye Tang
Symptoms: Thirst Dry mouth Dizziness Dry stools Dry throat Bad breath Constipation Thin body lacking strength
Aphthous ulcers might be due to Dryness in Large Intestine if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as constipation, thirst, dry stools and dry mouth. Similarly, patients with Dryness in Large Intestine typically exhibit fine (Xi) pulses as well as a pale, red tongue.
The Pericardium is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Pericardium in Chinese Medicine
Pulse type(s): Fine (Xi), Rapid (Shu), Wiry (Xian)
Tongue color: Reddish-Purple
Recommended herbal formula: Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan
Symptoms: Fever Irritability Restlnessness Delirious speech Impaired consciousness General sensation of unease
Aphthous ulcers might be due to Heat invading the Pericardium if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as fever, irritability, restlnessness and general sensation of unease. Similarly, patients with Heat invading the Pericardium typically exhibit fine (Xi), rapid (Shu) or wiry (Xian) pulses as well as a reddish-purple tongue.
Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang) is the key herb for Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan, a formula used for Yin and Blood Deficiency
Pulse type(s): Fine (Xi), Rapid (Shu)
Tongue coating: Partial absence of coating
Tongue color: Red
Recommended herbal formula: Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan
Symptoms: Fatigue Dry stools Mouth sores Irritability Forgetfulness Palpitations with anxiety Insomnia with very restless sleep Spontaneous and nocturnal emissions Inability to think or concentrate for even short periods of time
Aphthous ulcers might be due to Yin and Blood Deficiency if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as irritability, palpitations with anxiety, fatigue and insomnia with very restless sleep. Similarly, patients with Yin and Blood Deficiency typically exhibit fine (Xi) or rapid (Shu) pulses as well as a red tongue with partial absence of coating.
The top herbs in Zeng Ye Tang are Ningpo Figwort Roots (Xuan Shen), Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang) and Dwarf Lilyturf Roots (Mai Dong)
Source date: 1798 AD
Number of ingredients: 3 herbs
Key actions: Nourishes Yin and Essence. Lubricates Dryness.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Dryness in Large Intestine, a pattern sometimes associated with aphthous ulcers. If it looks like you might suffer from Dryness in Large Intestine, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan are Ox Gallstones (Niu Huang), Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) and Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin)
Source date: 1568 AD
Number of ingredients: 6 herbs
Key actions: Clears Heat and resolves Toxicity. Calms the Mind. Opens up the Orifices.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Heat invading the Pericardium, a pattern sometimes associated with aphthous ulcers. If it looks like you might suffer from Heat invading the Pericardium, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Source date: 16th century
Number of ingredients: 14 herbs
Key actions: Enriches the Yin. Nourishes the Blood. Clears Heat. Calms the Mind.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Yin and Blood Deficiency, a pattern sometimes associated with aphthous ulcers. If it looks like you might suffer from Yin and Blood Deficiency, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Huang Lian E Jiao Tang are Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian), Donkey-Hide Gelatin (E Jiao) and Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin)
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 5 herbs
Key actions: Enriches the Yin. Causes Fire to descend. Eliminates irritability. Calms the spirit.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with aphthous ulcers. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Dry stools Irritability Constipation Thirst Dry mouth Dry throat Thin body lacking strength Dizziness Bad breath Fever